I am sad and angry

What is wrong with our world? How did we get to the place where our children and grandchildren are no longer safe to walk home from school?

I have been watching the story that has unfolded in Orange Park, Florida. A little 7 year old girl, has been missing for two days and her body has just been found in a landfill. She was walking with some classmates when she disappeared. What kind of person would do this to a child? Man I am ticked!!

I have tears in my eyes as I write this. I can only imagine the pain experienced by this precious child's parents and grandparents and brothers/sisters if she has them. Their must be tremendous confusion and hurt felt by her freinds and teachers, aunts and uncles and by the entire community.

Obviously some pathetic person was involved in this heinous and unthinkable crime. I struggle with this: How can we as Christians have any kind of compassion for someone who would do this? I must confess that I have great compassion for people and their challenges in life. When it comes to people who commit these types of horrible crimes, I have no compassion. I want them to...

Where's Waldo?

I am guessing that many of you remember the old TV show and game Where's Waldo. Well tonight our youth group played a variation of that game.

Cathy who works with our teens and I dressed up to disguise our true identity. Cathy walked around as a bent over older lady, slowly moving along with a walker. I am not sure what I was exactly, I tried to pull of being a bit of a gangster, complete with black makeup, a wig and clothes I would not normally wear.

For the most part we were successful, with only a few of the teens recognizing us. While I was in disguise I came across an acquaintance who I work with occasionally through my role as chaplain to our local fire department. I went over and introduced myself, and it took him a minute to realize who I was. In fact I think he was quite relieved when he discovered who I really was.

I know that wearing a disguise is something teens have to do at their schools too. At times they do it to protect themselves, other times they do it to keep people close to them. In other words they act like something they are not in order to be sure they can fit in with the popular kids.

The first thing I did when I got home was jump in the shower and remove my "mask". I think that teens must feel that same relief when they get home from school. If they are wearing a mask at school, in order to be something they are not, it must feel good to be themselves.

For some teens they cannot do that. The reason is because they do not have a home to go to. They have no safe place to land.

I am looking forward to the day when we will have a home for those kind of teens. I am praying that God will provide that home for us at the right time.

If you are interested in helping us do that let me know. I would be happy to sit down and talk with you, or call you on the phone to see how you could join us in fulfilling the vision for Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries.

First donation received

It is an exciting day. The Boaz Ministry received its first donation. I feel like we are now on our way. I believe that God will continue to bless us in this ministry.

I am amazed that God has chosen me to give leadership and provide vision for this ministry. I know on my own that I am unable to do these things. I feel like God has told me to raise up others around me that have a heart of compassion for Christ and for others. By doing this I along with the others will have the mind of Christ, and therefore will keep His vision before me.

I was talking with a good friend today, a friend who has chosen recently to put God and His plan on the "backburner" so to speak. He has been struggling to do what God wants him to do, and at the same time still expects God to bless him in what he wants to do. Does this make sense? Sadly it is all too common.

I have been angered lately as I watch this same mindset unfold in a church I am close to. It is hard to believe some of the things that have been spoken recently in this church. Things like, "we need to stop talking about Jesus and God" and " we should have two services: one that is liberal and one that is conservative", "that way people who believe the Bible could go to one service and those who don't could go to another, and the Christians who believe Jesus is God's Son could go to one service and the Christians that don't believe in Jesus could go to the other one." Obviously, you can't be a Christian if you do not believe in Christ, because a Christian is a follower of Christ.

You may find this hard to believe but those things were actually said. Talk about people who have lost their vision, or maybe they never ever had one. What is most amazing is that they think God is going to bless them if they ignore Him. I know that God is not impressed, which is an understatement.

The bottom line is this. We are imperfect people, but we need to honor God if we expect that we will truly experience His blessing and all He has for us.

Boaz Ministries is one that well keep Jesus at the center. If we wan't to know God's heart and how Jesus wants to reach people through this ministry, we must spend time with Him. He is alive. He is the Savior of this world. We will bless Him!!!

Praying for our schools

I am committed to helping teens and investing in their lives. I pray for our schools and know that they have become difficult places for our students to go. For some students school is a place to go and spend time with friends and play sports or be in the school production. They love school. For others they dread going to school. They have nothing to look forward to except torment, fear and ridicule.

One thing that almost all students have in common is a need to feel safe. Both parents and teens want to be assured that when they enter our schools, it will be a place of safety and their child will return home. Sadly we know that this is not always the case. School bullies, school violence and school shootings are on the increase.

I read in the news today that the high school in Charlottetown, PEI was under added stress from a message posted on a facebook page. It indicated that a school shooting was about to take place, though it was not specific to that particular school. It is sad that our teens have to go to school wondering if they are indeed safe.

I am convinced that our schools are becoming "war zones". I don't want to sound the alarm bells to loud, but something has got to change. Our teens are faced with marijuana, cocaine, acid, heroin and other illegal drugs. They are offered oxicontyn, ecstasy, and other prescription drugs to take away their pain. They are faced with people mocking them because of their beliefs. They are taught by teachers to embrace "evolution" and are made to feel inferior when they stand up for creation. They are taught that homosexuality is the norm and that they have no right to disagree with that lifestyle. They are taught that pre-marital sex is ok as long as your old enough to deal with it.

I know it sounds like rant, it is not meant to be that. I believe that teachers and administrators for the most part care about our teens. That is not enough.

Parents we need to actively engage our teens. We need to talk to them and find out how things are going for them at school. We need to know and understand the reality of the pressures they face every day. We need to pray for them. We need to pray for their protection...emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

We need to take this seriously. Take time every day to help your children walk through this minefield called school. Youth pastors take the time to listen to your teens, get them talking about what is going on in their lives.

Children are our greatest resource!!!

Tragic story of bullying

My heart breaks when I read stories like this one.

We need to address bullying. The schools cannot address it because it didn't happen at school and many schools do not want to deal with it. Obviously in this case and in many others, parents are not discussing it either.

We need to engage our teens and children, we need to reach out to teens and children and talk about respect and love for one another. Will it stop these types of heinous behaviors? probably not entirely, but we can make a difference.

www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/13/florida.teen.burned/index.html

Update on prayer request

I shared some prayer requests last week with you. One of those areas was regarding a potential home for this ministry. It was to be converted to a duplex by the owners unless an offer was received by this Friday.

The good news is that the owner is willing to delay this move for one month. I am thankful for this answer to prayer in that it gives us a month to try and put together some financing and a plan moving forward.

I am moved in my spirit to call out people who would pray for this ministry and this house. Please join me. If this is the house God has for us, He will lead us. He will give us favor with the owner to come together and put the right plan in place.

I believe that God can make this happen.

Generosity encouraged

This will be short, but I want to challenge parents to think about something.

Here it is. I know of many parents that enroll their kids in lots of things, good things even. They have them signed up for soccer and hockey and basketball and gymnastics and dance and music and..... The list goes on and on. Then in the off season they have them signed up for every camp they can possibly involve them in.

Then on the other side is the parents who wish they could put their children in one thing but they do not have the resources. They would love to see their child get out of their home and spend time with other kids learning a skill. So here is my challenge.

Will you consider either paying for another child to enter the sport your son or daughter are in? Will you consider having your child be involved in one less event and taking those resources and blessing another person?

You may think my child would be upset. Maybe if they saw it as a gift instead of a denial they would be willing to assist.

Maybe the problem wouldn't be with the child, maybe it is the parent that wants fame and success so much for their child that they lose sight of the blessing of giving.

Thanksgiving perspective

I love this time of year, as it gives me a chance to think about the things that I am truly grateful for. One of the things I am most grateful for is my relationship with Christ. I can say with certainty that without Him, I would not be able to appreciate all the other things I have been blessed with. I thank God for my family, my church, a home to live in, food to eat, clean water to drink, my health, the teens I minister to and with, a vehicle to get around in, and a vision for ministry, just to name a few.

I think what impacts me the most as I get older is that, I cannot take these things for granted. I think that it is easy to have the mindset that I deserve these things, but I do not. It is only by the grace of God.

I also understand that there are many others in this world, even in my city who are lacking all or some of these. They likely have no place to go to be with family. They may not be enjoying health or have a home.

My heart is best summed up in a quote I love: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." The reason I love this so much is that it humbles me. I understand that I am one person in this world of 6-7 billion people. BUT I AM ONE. I am important to God. I am unique, and I have a unique purpose. Part of my purpose is to impact others, or maybe just one.

I like to think that my life has made a difference in someone else's life. I think of people I have impacted, people like Jerry, Kurtis, Wayne, Karen, Kaitlyn, Anna and Gwen. I think of others I have impacted in hurricane Katrina like Sonya and Richard, Bill, Robin and my friends in Biloxi, MS. I think of the homeless people I have been able to provide a meal for. I think of the teens I was able to minister to while missionaries in the Czech Republic.

I also love to think of people who impacted me: my wife, my parents, my children, my first Sunday school teacher Ken Moore, David Taylor a professor in Bible College who inspired me to get involved in challenging places, Kaitlyn who has inspired me to be a better father, Shelby who taught me to have deep compassion for the hurting, Cathy and Carol who have taken a step of faith with me in this new ministry, Mary Alice who has led a ministry through challenging days and has kept Him first.

My challenge for you my brothers and sisters is this, count your blessings, be a blessing and expect a blessing from Him as you make Him the priority of your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Wow, they are scary!!!

As a Christian, I am a firm believer that I have a responsibility to share my faith in Christ with others. I do not mean to shove it down their throats, I mean to let my life and my words be evident of Christ living in me. I want to serve others, love others, help others and sometimes even speak words to others.

Why is this so important to me? I feel that we as Christians, by Christian I mean those who have a personal relationship with Christ, need to share the hope we have with others. This means to people of all ages.

One of the things I have noticed over the past few years is that at risk teenagers are one of the segments of our society that we have a hard time loving, serving, helping and even speaking to. There are times when we see them, and we would rather walk on the other side of the street to avoid them. I am not sure why, maybe it is because we are intimidated by them or even afraid of them. Is it possible people shy away because they wouldn't know what to say to them?

There is a young man, probably in his early twenties that comes in to say hello to me from time to time. He is pretty scary looking. He has a mo-hawk and has tattoos and piercings all over his face. I mean both!!! I see people move away from him, look at him strangely, and even say horrible things about him.

I have made it a point to talk to him. He is a very pleasant and soft spoken person. He is kind and always wanting to find ways to help others. He has a heart to reach out to others. Does that surprise you? Here is a person that most people are afraid of (because of his looks and dress) but he has a heart to meet the needs of others.

Let us show the world that we as followers of Christ have a heart for others. Let us get outside the comfort of our church walls and start to meet the needs of those who look a certain way in order to protect themselves. Let us love, serve, help and share with those who need to see what this Jesus is really all about.

Where are we in this ministry?

This week myself and our two other provisional directors, Cathy and Carol met with the lawyer and sent off the papers to apply for incorporation. If things go as we trust they will, we hope to have the papers back within three weeks. It will be exciting to have this in place.

One of my dreams is to have a Christian based home to provide for teens who have been abandoned and rejected by their families. A good friend that is also a real estate agent has been looking for some options. This week we were able to look at two different options.

The first home was wonderful, it had everything we could ever want in a home. Two bathrooms, six bedrooms, a beautiful front porch, big back deck, great back yard, paved driveway and downtown. In fact it used to be a group home so it even has proper emergency exits on each home. The cost of this home is 249,000.

The second home was the complete opposite. It was beat up, worn down, damp and stagnant. It was a much lower price but it was just a depressing home to walk in to. After visiting the second home, we drove back and prayed over the first home.

Here is the challenge with regards to the first home we looked at. The owners plan to restructure the home and convert it into a duplex unless they have an offer by next Friday. We are in no position today to make an offer on that home, the $3.00 in the petty cash is not going to be quite enough. My prayer is this, that the Lord would change the mind of the owners if we are to use this home. If this does not happen, it will be obvious that this is not the place for us.

I also met with a potential board member this week. He is very interested in assisting in any way possible. I have asked him to spend some more time in prayer to determine where God may want to use him. He has agreed to look into options with regards to financing for the ministry. He operates in the financial services industry. I am praying that God shows him in what avenue he should be involved in the ministry.

Finally I took some time to spend with a family with three teens who are facing incredible challenges with the way their children are being treated by others. This single mom is trying to find a way to parent her children through the maze of bullying and abuse. I know we can be involved with mentoring and support resources.

All in all it has been a great week. As God opens doors I walk through them. I am excited about what God is going to do in this ministry. I am excited for the teens we are going to be able to bless.

Can this ministry change the world? I do not know, but I do know this, by impacting one person, it will change that persons world.

Please pray for this ministry, for the house owners, for the potential board member and for the family I met.

Be blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Racism

Racism is one of those words that make me cringe. I have very little tolerance for racists.

I spent an hour talking with an African American family in our city. They shared how the children of the home are afraid to go outside in their community because of what is being said and done to them. One of the boys who is in sixth grade was recently beat up by two other kids because he was black. That makes me angry.

The family also has kids coming to knock on their door and calling them "nigger". I have to say this word is very offensive to me and to many others. Just think of the impact these words have on young people. Think about where a teen must be if they are willing to holler these words at others. Racism is unacceptable.

I am concerned and willing to be involved in dealing with issues that deal with teenagers. Racism is placed in the hearts of those who participate in it at an early age. Racism also effects those on the receiving end at an early age.

The next time you hear a racist comment, I challenge each of us to stand up and say that is talk, behavior and attitude is unacceptable.

Trainee at Tim's

Most of us hate to wait. I must confess that sometimes I have that attitude. It usually happens to me when I am stuck in traffic.

Today I went into a local Tim Hortons to pick up some hot chocolate and a few Timbits. Not for me of course but for our youth group teens.You can probably guess where I am going going with this. There was a long lineup and I had to wait in line a long time. No, there was not a long line at all. I was not impatient at all, which I am grateful for.

I felt bad for one of the young people who was "in training". He was probably working his first shift ever and it was very confusing for him, it was fairly obvious. It was also evident that the supervisor had very little patience for him. In fact I would use the words "fed up". Her attitude really bothered me. In fact that bothered me more than the slow movement of the new employee.

I couldn't help but have a couple of thoughts. First, I felt sorry for this kid. He needed someone to come alongside him and help him. Secondly, I wondered how long he will last at this job if he is made to feel embarrassed and humiliated by those whose job it is to train him. He really needs someone who will be patient.

When it comes to helping teens, I want to be someone who comes alongside of them. I want to have patience with teens who have never been shown the right way to do things. I want to encourage them and not humiliate them.

Here is my challenge, the next time you see a "trainee", be patient with them, encourage them. The next time you see a teen who is struggling, do the right thing, have a Christlike attitude and come alongside them and see how you can help them. Do not humiliate them, help them to understand that somebody cares.

Little is much...

Downhere is one of my favorite Christian music groups. I was listening to one of their songs tonight that speaks a great truth. The words say: "Little is much when God is in it, and no one can fathom the plans he holds. Little is much when God is in it, He changes the world with the seeds we sow."

Just think about the truth of these words. God will do great things when we are willing to sow seeds of hope, love and faith in this world. The reality is that we cannot even begin to understand what God will do when we make those types of investments.

I am often asked questions about what exactly BLIM will do how it will impact lives. The reality is, "I don't know". I do not know exactly what God is going to do, nor do I know how God will do it. I do know this, with absolute certainly, the God I serve is willing to take my small steps and faith and bless them over and over.

Why do I say all this? Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries is God's ministry. I am willing to let Him lead it and direct it. I want to be spending time with God so I know what He is doing so I can walk in step with Him.

I am so excited to sow seeds, and trust God to orchestrate events and situations that I could never figure out on my own.

"Little is much when God is in it, and no one can fathom the plans he holds. Little is much when God is in it, He changes the world with the seeds we sow."

Impact of bullying

I hate bullying.

Make no mistake about it, it destroys lives.

Boaz Ministries is going to be involved in addressing this heartbreaking and life altering problem that stalks many teens . I think it has reached a level that is no longer to be tolerated. We as the body of Christ can make a difference, and with God's help and leading, WE WILL!!

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091006/national/bullied_teen_missing

Read this article and tell me how it makes you feel. Brothers and sisters we need to help our children and teens understand how to deal with bullies. We also need to help them so that they do not become the bully.

Will you join me in praying for the Fortin family, for our schools and for those teens who are "at risk"?

Launching Out Into New Waters

Have you ever sensed in your spirit that God was birthing a new and exciting ministry. A ministry that was so much bigger than you. A ministry that unless God intervenes you are destined to fall flat on your face? I would guess that some of you have felt that stirring in your spirit.

For many months prior to August 1st, God was speaking these words to my spirit, "father to the fatherless". I didn't know what those words were meant for but many times in various places I sensed those gentle words.

I took some of the most precious people in my world to New Hampshire for a great Christian music festival called "SoulFest 09". It was an amazing time for myself and our teens. One area that was such a blessing to me was a "Prophetic Prayer Tent." It was a place where people waited on God and then spoke prophetic prayer over you.

I waited on those who were chosen to minister to me. I waited quietly as the four people around me waited on God for His Word to me. A young lady about age 21 was the first to speak, and these were her words, "God has called you to be a father to the fatherless". It was a powerful moment for me, and a confirmation of what God was speaking to my heart.

Upon returning home I spent much time in prayer with God. I felt the Lord direct me to start a ministry that reaches out to at risk youth especially those who are fatherless. To this end I have felt God's hand show me what to do next. He showed me that I was to start a Christian based not for profit organization. After spending much more time in prayer the Lord gave me the name for this ministry: Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries, Inc.

BLIM will reach out in a variety of areas. We will address youth homelessness, begin mentoring programs to pair up at risk youth with Godly mentors, address bullying in schools and in life, start a feeding program for teens along with a drop in center, open up a family based youth home, and eventually do these same things in other countries.

In this blog I hope to open up your hearts and eyes to the issues that these precious teens have to deal with. They did not choose to abandoned and rejected. No child comes into this world hoping that they will end up abused, forgotten and ridiculed.

As a Christian community we can make a difference. Through this ministry I hope that you will see ways you can make a difference. Maybe you will desire to be a partner in this ministry.

In the book of James we read these words: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.